Dr. Justin Côté-Daigneault – Gastroenterologist | Châteauguay, QC

Dr. Justin Côté-Daigneault is a dedicated Gastroenterologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of disorders affecting the digestive system in adult patients, and may also see older adolescents for certain conditions. Practicing at Hôpital Anna-Laberge in Châteauguay, QC, he is a key member of the local medical community. He provides comprehensive care for a wide range of digestive system disorders, including conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas, utilizing diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy. His practice is committed to delivering patient-centered digestive health care, employing advanced diagnostic tools and minimally invasive procedures in a supportive environment.

Dr. Côté-Daigneault holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 9 years of experience as a Gastroenterologist since 2015. He has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Gastroenterology (Comprehensive Care for Digestive System Disorders) in Quebec, including certification from the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). His professional credentials ensure adherence to the highest standards of medical practice and patient safety.

Guided by a philosophy of evidence-based medicine, Dr. Côté-Daigneault emphasizes patient education on digestive conditions and lifestyle modifications. He believes in early and accurate diagnosis through the use of state-of-the-art procedures and provides personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. His dedication extends to offering compassionate care to the community of Châteauguay, with services delivered in both French and English to ensure clear communication and optimal patient understanding.

Dr. Justin Côté-Daigneault diagnoses and treats a wide range of digestive system disorders, including:

Esophageal, Stomach & Upper GI Disorders

• Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE): A chronic immune system disease characterized by a buildup of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the esophagus, causing inflammation, difficulty swallowing, food impaction, and chest pain.
• Peptic Ulcer Disease (Gastric, Duodenal, H. pylori-related, NSAID-induced): Open sores that develop on the inside lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) and the upper portion of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer), commonly caused by H. pylori infection or long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) / Acid Reflux / Heartburn: Chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, and potential complications like esophagitis.

Small & Large Intestine (Colorectal) Disorders

• Celiac Disease & Gluten Sensitivity: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion, damaging the small intestine. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity involves GI symptoms related to gluten without the autoimmune damage.
• Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) & Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO): An abnormal increase in the bacterial population in the small intestine, or an overgrowth of methane-producing archaea, leading to symptoms like bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and altered bowel habits.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Focus

• Microscopic Colitis (often considered alongside IBD for chronic diarrhea): Though distinct from classic IBD, it's an inflammatory condition of the colon diagnosed by biopsy, causing chronic watery diarrhea.
• Indeterminate Colitis & IBD-Unclassified (IBD-U): Cases of IBD, particularly early in the disease course, where it is difficult to definitively distinguish between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis based on clinical, endoscopic, and histological features.
• Ulcerative Colitis (Proctitis, Left-sided Colitis, Pancolitis): A chronic inflammatory condition that causes inflammation and ulcers primarily in the lining of the large intestine (colon and rectum), typically presenting with bloody diarrhea, urgency, and abdominal pain.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific digestive condition, please consult with Dr. Justin Côté-Daigneault.

• Diagnosis & Management of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) & Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO): Utilizing glucose or lactulose breath tests for diagnosis and providing targeted antibiotic/antimicrobial therapy, prokinetics, and dietary advice for SIBO and IMO.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy with Biopsy: Examination of the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon and rectum) using a flexible sigmoidoscope, often for evaluation of rectal bleeding, diarrhea, or as part of some screening protocols.
• Upper Endoscopy (EGD - Esophagogastroduodenoscopy) with Biopsy & Interventions: Diagnostic and therapeutic procedure to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a flexible tube with a camera. Allows for targeted biopsies, polyp removal (polypectomy), dilation of strictures, control of bleeding (hemostasis), and foreign body removal.
• Management of Chronic Constipation & Chronic Diarrhea (idiopathic & secondary): Systematic investigation into underlying causes (including motility testing where appropriate) and tailored treatment strategies for persistent constipation or diarrhea not attributed to other major GI diseases.
• Endoscopic Hemostasis for Acute & Chronic GI Bleeding: Various endoscopic techniques (e.g., injection therapy, thermal coagulation/APC, mechanical clips, hemostatic sprays) used to stop acute or recurrent bleeding from ulcers, varices, angiodysplasias, or tumors in the GI tract.
• Screening & Prevention Strategies for Gastrointestinal Cancers: Risk assessment and counseling on screening for colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer (in Barrett's esophagus), gastric cancer, and liver cancer (in cirrhosis), including FIT testing and colonoscopy recommendations.
• Endoscopic Dilation of Gastrointestinal Strictures (Esophageal, Pyloric, Colonic): Procedure to stretch narrowed areas (strictures) in the esophagus (e.g., due to reflux, EoE), stomach outlet (pylorus), small intestine, or colon using balloons or Savary-Gilliard dilators passed through an endoscope.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific procedures and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Côté-Daigneault for care relevant to your specific condition.

All medical and surgical services (if applicable) are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant gastroenterological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Hôpital Anna-Laberge in Châteauguay is situated in the areas near central Châteauguay, easily accessible via local public transit. The hospital is a key medical facility that serves the community with specialized units, including the gastroenterology department where Dr. Côté-Daigneault practices. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at or near the hospital, providing convenient options for those visiting for consultations or procedures. The hospital's location is complemented by nearby points of interest and a supportive healthcare environment dedicated to high-quality patient care.

Are consultations and procedures like endoscopies with Dr. Côté-Daigneault, a Gastroenterologist, covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Gastroenterologist like Dr. Côté-Daigneault, as well as most diagnostic procedures (e.g., endoscopies for investigating symptoms, biopsies for medical reasons) and treatments for provincially insured digestive conditions (e.g., IBD, celiac disease, screening colonoscopies as per provincial guidelines, liver disease management), are generally covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Procedures considered purely for screening outside of guidelines, or for non-medical reasons, and some advanced technologies or specific drug therapies might have different coverage. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for any proposed treatment or procedure with Dr. Côté-Daigneault's office, the hospital/clinic's financial services, or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) beforehand.

Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Côté-Daigneault, a Gastroenterologist?

Yes, in nearly all cases, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (such as an internist or surgeon) is required to schedule an appointment with a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Côté-Daigneault for services covered by the provincial health plan. Gastroenterological issues often require initial assessment and preliminary investigations by your primary care provider. The referral ensures that a specialist consultation is appropriate, helps with prioritizing appointments, and facilitates coordinated care, including the transfer of relevant medical information.

Are there significant risks associated with procedures like gastroscopy or colonoscopy?

Gastroscopy (upper endoscopy) and colonoscopy are generally very safe procedures, especially when performed by an experienced Gastroenterologist like Dr. Côté-Daigneault. Complications are uncommon. Potential risks can include bleeding, particularly if polyps are removed or biopsies are taken; perforation (a tear in the wall of the digestive tract); infection (rare); or adverse reactions to the sedative medication used. Before your procedure, Dr. Côté-Daigneault will thoroughly discuss the specific potential risks and benefits based on your individual health and the reason for the procedure, allowing you to make an informed decision.

What is generally involved in preparing for a colonoscopy procedure?

Preparing for a colonoscopy is a critical step to ensure the procedure is effective and safe. Dr. Côté-Daigneault's office will provide very specific instructions, which must be followed closely. Typically, preparation involves dietary changes for a few days beforehand (e.g., low-residue diet), followed by a clear liquid diet for the 24 hours prior to the exam. The most important part is the bowel cleansing process, which involves drinking a prescribed laxative solution designed to completely empty and clean your colon. This usually starts the evening before and may continue the morning of the procedure. You'll also need to arrange for transportation home, as sedation is commonly used.

How does a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Côté-Daigneault approach the management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

The management of IBD (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) by a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Côté-Daigneault is a highly individualized and long-term process. The primary goals are to induce and then maintain remission (control inflammation), alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and improve the patient's overall quality of life. Treatment strategies often involve a combination of medications, which can include aminosalicylates (5-ASAs), corticosteroids (for acute flare-ups), immunomodulators (e.g., azathioprine, methotrexate), and increasingly, biologic therapies or small molecule drugs that target specific inflammatory pathways. Regular monitoring through clinical assessment, blood tests, stool tests (like fecal calprotectin), and endoscopic procedures is crucial to track disease activity and adjust treatment as needed. Nutritional counseling and lifestyle advice are also integral parts of comprehensive IBD care.

What are common reasons someone would be referred to a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Justin Côté-Daigneault?

Referral to a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Côté-Daigneault is common for various reasons, including: persistent heartburn or acid reflux (GERD); difficulty or pain when swallowing; unexplained abdominal pain or bloating; chronic nausea or vomiting; significant changes in bowel habits (e.g., chronic diarrhea, severe constipation); blood in the stool or rectal bleeding; iron deficiency anemia with no obvious cause; suspected or diagnosed Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis); Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) not responding to initial management; celiac disease; abnormal liver function tests or suspected liver disease (like hepatitis or fatty liver); pancreatitis; or for screening and surveillance colonoscopies to prevent colorectal cancer, especially if there's a family history or personal history of polyps.

Hôpital Anna-Laberge
200 boul Brisebois
Châteauguay, QC J6K 4W8

Phone: (450) 699-2425

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Côté-Daigneault is a licensed Gastroenterologist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Côté-Daigneault for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=14513